Marianne Dashwood wears her heart on her sleeve, and when she falls in love with the dashing but unsuitable John Willoughby she ignores her sister Elinor's warning that her impulsive behaviour leaves her open to gossip and innuendo. Meanwhile Elinor, always sensitive to social convention, is struggling to conceal her own romantic disappointment, even from those closest to her. Through their parallel experience of love—and its threatened loss—the sisters learn that sense must mix with sensibility if they are to find personal happiness in a society where status and money govern the rules of love.

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Quotes & Awards

As nearly flawless as any fiction could be.Eudora Welty

Listener Opinions

Kathleen Hurtubise | 2/19/2014

" One of my absolute, all time favorites. "

Monique Weaver | 2/19/2014

" This is a classic for a reason. Exceptional story that is easily translated. "

Amy Wolf | 2/18/2014

" Not one of my favorite Austen novels, but I do enjoy the over-the-top Romanticism of Marianne (though Austen clearly favors sensible sister Elinor). Willoughly is a thorough cad of the Wickham school, and the rich brother who won't help his impoverished mother & sisters financially is surely a model of spinelessness. Love that Colonel Brandon! "

Juliana | 2/15/2014

" Not the best book of Jane Austen, but romance is sincere. "

Lauren | 2/13/2014

" In my personal echelon of Austen, I'd rank Sense and Sensibility somewhere above Mansfield Park and Emma but below Persuasion. In Sense and Sensibility, Austen has created a tool for analyzing the relative merits of neoclassicism and romanticism, the two dominant philosophies of her day. The Dashwood sisters experience parallel joys and tribulations in their romantic lives, always within weeks of each other, and in their different responses to these events -- Elinor, the neoclassicist, hyper-rational, and Marianne, the romantic, deeply emotional -- Austen compares the two philosophies. Though more nuanced than similarly styled novels of the day, I found that this philosophical comparison -- the very thing that made the novel intellectually interesting (beyond, of course, Austen's usual wit and social commentary) -- was also what made the novel drag at points: yes, okay, Marianne is overreacting and Elinor is not -- got it. Beyond this comparison, however, still a stimulating book and a good reminder that being in love requires us to both control our reason and yield to our emotions. "

Grace Hoffmann | 2/12/2014

" I'm trying to read all 6 JA books in order of publication. I haven't read this one since high school. In some parts I got a bit bogged down by the language, but in other parts, I could not believe how riveting it was, 200+ years after publication. Love. "

Good Reader | 2/10/2014

" This book is like chocolate. it's to die for! When all around her are casting themselves on the pyre of their emotions, Eleanor is quietly erupting within. I love it! When Marianne realizes that Eleanor's emotions are no less deep for being contained, I wanted to stand up and shout - at last! My heart will never be the same. "

Cyndy | 2/8/2014

" Love it! Such delight! Such heart-ache! Such a splendid journey! "

Claudia | 2/7/2014

" I didn't like this as much as Pride & Prejudice, or Emma, but it's still Jane Austen, and therefore very good. "

Elisabeth | 2/7/2014

" (They don't have my cover image! Not that it is pretty, anyways) "

Hunter | 2/7/2014

" This was a true Jane Austin and if you don't like that literature then you should never read this book. I made that mistake already. However for the type of lit that it is, it is a very good book. "

Suzie | 2/6/2014

" It's not in my Top Three Austens but it's probably the best of the rest. I found something about Marianne terribly grating but I will probably reread it with a little more sense of perspective and hopefully not find her so much of a snivelling idiot. I'll have more to say if I do reread, I'm sure! "

Audrey | 2/5/2014

" Another great book by Jane Austen, go read it. "

Kristie | 2/5/2014

" One of my favorite Austen Novels.. such a beautiful story. "

Bea Ansley | 2/4/2014

" Dull. Couldn't get through the seventh chapter. "

Monica | 2/2/2014

" No one can beat JA!! "

Josh | 1/31/2014

" Had never read Jane Austen before so I figured I'd start at the beginning. Very glad I did. One of my favorites! "

Zeyad | 1/31/2014

" For me, the plot was less obvious than the plot of her other book, pride and prejudice, that I recently read, and that's one of the reasons why I like it more. "

Sharon | 1/29/2014

" Another great read from Jane Austen. One of my favorites. "

Theresa | 1/29/2014

" Loved it so much I've read it at least four times now. "

Beth | 1/23/2014

" Periodically I decide that I need a little Austen. Right now Sense and Sensibility is my favorite. "

Sandy | 1/22/2014

" The print in the book was very small & tight, so I did have difficulty reading it (my age). However I loved the ending, and got into the book more at the end then the beginning. Certain characters drove me nuts (Marianne)and others I know I would become friends with (Elinor). I even liked Mrs Jennings. I thought she always meant well, though in real life I probably wouldn't trust her with any confidences, she was such a gossip. She provided some comic relief though (so excitable with any gossip). "

Frenchy Faith | 1/19/2014

" It's not bad per say but Austen just isn't my kind of writer. "

Eibhlinn | 1/18/2014

" It's a strange thing to think of how relevant Jane Austen's novels still are, though I certainly don't spend my time embroidering cushions in my parlor. "

Steffenie | 1/18/2014

" This is my least favorite Jane Austen book. "

Mai Aty | 1/17/2014

" just wooow luv Jane Austen's sense "

Nanci | 1/17/2014

" This is a book I re-read every few years must because I love it so much. I loved Pride and Prejudice, but this one gets my vote. "

Tosh Dobias | 1/17/2014

" Charming tale of two sisters and their approach to life and love--not a bad choice for a first Jane Austen. "

Anthea Carson | 1/16/2014

" Reading Jane Austen books is like eating potato chips, you can't read just one. So this is one that I finished on my mad Jane Austen binge after rereading Pride and Prejudice in my mid twenties. I had read it in school, but then reading it on my own I realized what a great writer she was. It's so hard to find good books, so I read all her books in under a month and then had no more to read. "

Amanda | 1/15/2014

" Cute story about two sisters on the prowl for husbands. Society doesn't allow these ladies to voice their opinions and feelings... and we wonder where dating mind games originated? "

Jraderj | 1/15/2014

" Decided to reread this book after Jane Eyre because I missed that Old English countryside full of rich people. Its no Pride & Prejudice, but still very enjoyable. "

Paul Brewer | 1/13/2014

" My 2nd favorite Jane Austen work after Pride and Prejudice. "

Sarah | 1/13/2014

" Okay, so the story was good, but I found it hard to get into. Also I REALLY disliked several of the characters, which made it more difficult. "

" 5 Stars all the way both for the book as well as Juliet Stevenson, the narrator. Stevenson's voice, and wonderful acting makes this a winning combination, and I have eagerly purchased several other Austen books that she has narrated. Highly recommended! "

Zack | 1/8/2014

" That was one of the worst endings to a great book ever in history... "

Aly | 12/30/2013

" Not my favorite Jane Austen book, but I think I thoroughly enjoyed it. I also think I might've liked it more if it had been assigned as required reading. "

Louise KM | 12/29/2013

" a classic! how can you not love jane austen? and i sort of prefer this to pride and prejudice! (gasp) "

Suad | 12/29/2013

" i have to say am not a fan of jean austen and that book was so boring that couldn't get myself to finish it!! "

Miriam Barreras | 12/28/2013

" Good book, but pales in comparison with Austen's Pride and Prejudice. "

Sara | 12/28/2013

" Seriously enjoying going back and re-reading all of the books I read in college and really didn't get! Jane Austen is just fabulous! Her use of sarcasm is priceless. You can actually hear the characters talking! Just loved it! I'm sure I will read it again in another 15 years! "

Ana Ramos | 12/25/2013

" It's a good novel, very nineteenth-century! It tells the story about two complete difference sisters and how they deal with "love". It's a pretty story and well written. In a way, Jane tells us that passion is not the only thing in love. It's a good relaxing read. :) "

" It was wonderful to read how love mattered even in the 17th century and that sometimes you don't want something even when you need it. I always imagined they married back then because they had to (power, money...) but Jane Austen tought me that it wasn't that way. Just delightful! "

Sukittima Sukruaycharoen | 12/20/2013

" Sense and Sensibility is my first complete version of Jane Austen story that I read. And I already fall in love with her writing. "

Marlene | 12/16/2013

" A Jane Austen romantic classic. Love the old-fashioned language. The story itself is a bit melancholy. I prefer the movie. "

Peggy Richter | 12/16/2013

" a book for autum days by the fire. A bit slow, but nicely written. "

Sarah | 12/14/2013

" I couldn't really get into it til the last 20%. It was really hard for me to follow "

Aubrey Hoeppner | 12/12/2013

" For the first 300 pages, I liked this better than Pride and Prejudice, but then I felt like it conked out and resolved so easily at the end. Also these Victorians would have so much less stress if they weren't so into keeping secrets from each other. "

Gabby | 12/10/2013

" Can't go wrong with Jane Austen! "

Weird | 11/29/2013

" The only book i read every year. It's a classic story about love and trust and three young women trying to find their way in the world. "

Alyssa Hallock | 11/24/2013

" I am a hard core austen-ite so of course this book found it's way into my heart. The somewhat whiny and affected Marianne reminded me so much of Emma in the first part of her book, and I was disappointed that she was not redeemed like Emma was. Where Marianne lacked sense however, Elinore had it in abundance and she was naturally my favorite character! I highly recommend this novel as it's lightweight tone interspersed with school girl heartache, tugs at the heartstrings of all and is an immediate favorite. "

Judith | 11/21/2013

" Maybe Jane Austin gives too much details of the wonderful landscape of England, but the story is wonderful. "

Deestarr | 11/18/2013

" This is always one of my favorite book. "

Suzfahrealz | 11/16/2013

" Even though I am not a particular fan of Jane Austin, I really enjoyed this story. "

Jaci Scheidemantle | 11/15/2013

" I love all things Austen. "

Dan | 11/14/2013

" Not as long or as involved as Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility is still very enjoyable. I saw some of myself in Edward Ferrars. Ms. Austen's word choice and witty, sharp insight into her characters' personalities made me laugh out loud several times. "

Lorena | 11/9/2013

" This version was unabridged and annotated. The footnotes were very helpful and since this is the only version of this story I have read, it being unabridged didn't phase me. As always it was a good Austen read and having loved the movie (staring Thompson and Winslet) it was a joy to finally read the book. "

Vicki Bennion | 11/6/2013

" I can't decide between Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility as my favorite Austin book. I read them both over again when I miss a good Jane Austin moment. I have longed for more Austin novels and am constantly looking for more authors like her. I'm a fan! "

Debbie | 11/5/2013

" Think I could read this every year and still enjoy every word. "

Zafirah Muhammad | 11/4/2013

" love this book. great love stories about 2 women. you will not put this down until you finish it. "

Jessica Seeker | 10/22/2013

" It was good, not great. "

Linda | 10/22/2013

" Now I am ready to see the World Premier of "Sense and Sensibility The Musical" performed by the Denver Center Theatre Company next month. Will be fun to see how this story can be performed as a musical. "

Anita | 10/21/2013

" Wonderful read! Beautiful ending. Loved it! "

Susana Bustamante | 10/14/2013

" I think it's exquisite the way Austen manages to translate feelings into words without being overwhelming. As a non native english speaker I can assure Austen writing can make you fall in love with the language. "

Kate | 10/13/2013

" There where too many characters that were almost the same personality wise and they just blended together. I thought the plot was over done and altogether it was dry. Sorry Jane, pride and prejudice was amazing but this was just bad. "

Lauretta | 10/5/2013

" I listened to the audiobook "

Seema Noor Wani. | 9/26/2013

" Developing a Sense of Pragmatism rather than Illusion. "

Borud | 9/7/2013

" I really liked the storyline, but the writing style is hard to read. somewhat choppy and harder to follow. "

Ernesta | 8/22/2013

" I'm not a fan of this book. For me there were to many portrayals of nature and general scenes. I missed dialougs and a bit of action. It seemed like chapter after chapter nothing happened and nothing really changed. "

Jane Caldwell | 8/20/2013

" Probably the tenth time I have read this. Only four stars in comparison to other Jane Austen novels - would be a five star otherwise. "

Becky | 8/3/2013

" Not my fave Jane Austen, but this still a wonderful story! "

Eben Roelofse | 8/3/2013

" Torn between whether sense and sensibility was reached in the end or not? Think I enjoyed the story a little more than a guy should. "

Bushra Naz | 7/30/2013

" "Good read! Austen is the queen of classic fiction!" "

Anne Currier | 7/27/2013

" My favorite Jane Austen so far!! "

Tjitske | 7/24/2013

" Read again for the 5th+ time! "

Seema Noor Wani. | 7/18/2013

" Developing a Sense of Pragmatism rather than Illusion. "

Cassandra Weathers | 7/12/2013

" This book is very good and makes me think about how we chose and that those choices effect others. "

Ehdnariloyd | 7/8/2013

" This novel conceived my love for Austen "

Patricia | 7/8/2013

" A love story without sex, abuse or violence "

Kimberly Gilreath arnold | 7/6/2013

" Love Jane Austen, my fav authoress! This is a great romance, especially for all you who have a younger sister like Marianne. I am more like Eleanor. "

Iyah | 5/16/2013

" this was my third favorite Austen novel, after pride and prejudice and persuasion. "

Heather Miller | 5/11/2013

" Read this for a project my senior year of high school. While I was to young to fully appreciate it, I thought it delightful. And then I was introduced to Pride & Prejudice in a freshman English course at LSU. Thus began my Austen obsession. "

Cassandra Weathers | 5/8/2013

" This book is very good and makes me think about how we chose and that those choices effect others. "

Heidi Kreizinger | 5/8/2013

" I love Jane Austen. She was some kind of author. "

Jr | 5/6/2013

" My favorite of the Jane Austen novels. "

Emily Lynn | 5/4/2013

" One of my favorite books. "

Steffenie | 5/2/2013

" This is my least favorite Jane Austen book. "

Cheryl Farolino | 4/27/2013

" I simply love Jane Austin. "

Shea | 4/15/2013

" Re-read for my Austen course. I had forgotten how incredibly funny this book is, especially the last chapter. She tempered some of that humor in the later novels. "

Sharon Madjar | 4/12/2013

" I read this book many time always to enjoy Jane Austen's sharp tongue "

Tiffany Wyman | 4/11/2013

" Jane Austen never disappoints on her love stories "

Beth Harney | 4/5/2013

" One of the best books I have read on the fate of women in this historical time "

Julie | 3/22/2013

" I'm reading this for the third time, at least. Such fun. "

Marlene | 3/10/2013

" A Jane Austen romantic classic. Love the old-fashioned language. The story itself is a bit melancholy. I prefer the movie. "

Sonam | 2/28/2013

" I simply love Jane Austen books.. This book just proves it further.. "

Nienna | 2/25/2013

" Loved it. Jane Austen captures the reader again in the romance and heart-break of the Dashwood sisters and their beaus. Personally I will always hold Col. Brandon in the highest esteem when it comes to Austen's leading men. It is a great read. "

Amber Hajos | 2/8/2013

" I really want to love Jane Austen. Two books in from her and I am not her biggest fan...yet. I am going to keep trying. "

Lexi Byers | 1/23/2013

" Persuasion is her best, then Pride and Prejudice. But you have to read all of Jane Austen! "

April | 1/21/2013

" I loved this book. It made me laugh and realize that more often than not, if you just keep your mouth closed, things will generally turn out in your favor. "

Deborah | 1/1/2013

" I enjoyed the book...yet, I did NOT give it "5" stars... "

Becky Estrella | 12/16/2012

" I had a hard time reading this one. It seemed to drag in places. However, I'm glad I read it. This book gives a lot of insight into the world of Jane Austen "

K. | 12/3/2012

" "People always live forever when there is an annuity to be paid them..." "

James | 11/25/2012

" Get some flashes of the brilliance later seen in Pride and Prejudice, but falls short. "

Anne | 11/15/2012

" Not my favorite Jane Austen book, but as highly enjoyable as I expected it to be. 4 1/2 stars! "

Sara cunningham | 11/15/2012

" i read S&S and sea monsters first. i didn't really like that one (i thought zombies fit into pride and prejudice better than the sea monsters fit into S&S) in the classic version... i was very meh. i definitely like Mansfield Park and Emma and P&P better. "

Kathy | 10/31/2012

" Through the lives of sisters, Austen describes the changing culture of courtship in the 1800's. The writing stype exemplifies the era and dominates the telling with wordy euphamisms and liberal descriptors of the period's constraints in social propriety. "

Monica | 10/13/2012

" No one can beat JA!! "

Lynneth Omandac | 10/11/2012

" Despite haing a hard time understanding old english while reading this in highschool but the story i still hold dear to my heart "

Rasha | 9/23/2012

" another great story for jane austin representing the family ties and ups and downs of life with her distinguished touch of human feelings and pure romance. "

Julia Hoyer erichsen | 9/9/2012

" I really love Jane Austin "

Jill | 8/15/2012

" It's Jane. It's a must read. "

Tara | 8/14/2012

" Never gets old. Could read Jane Austen over and over again! "

Asma Hussain | 8/13/2012

" good novel, however, to be read for once and no more. "

Claire Biringer | 7/15/2012

" Took about thirty pages to get into it, but then could not put it down. Enthralling classic. Wonderful character development. "

Sara | 7/15/2012

" Seriously enjoying going back and re-reading all of the books I read in college and really didn't get! Jane Austen is just fabulous! Her use of sarcasm is priceless. You can actually hear the characters talking! Just loved it! I'm sure I will read it again in another 15 years! "

Laetitia HÃ¶rnler | 7/8/2012

" One of the true classics! "

Mrs. E | 7/5/2012

" Who doesn't love Jane Austen? Well, I know those people exist but I'm not one of them. This is one of my favorites of hers, I love Elinor and Marianne! "

Julie | 6/10/2012

" I'm reading this for the third time, at least. Such fun. "

Aida | 5/4/2012

" loved the twist toward the end, that Steel girl was hateful. "

Maegan | 4/29/2012

" This was by far the most boring book I've ever read! I couldn't make it any further. It was too painful to finish. "

Yekaterina | 4/18/2012

" I LOVE Jane Austen! I love Pride and Prejudice! I don't like Sense and Sensibility! I think it is boring! Maybe I will read it again one day but probably not in the nearest future! "

Elizabeth | 3/28/2012

" The storyline was interesting. However the book had much detail in it that at times made the story boring. But overall the plot was good. "

Mai Aty | 3/27/2012

" just wooow luv Jane Austen's sense "

Karrin | 3/12/2012

" Just re-read it for a bit of summer fun. Plus, I've been spending too much via my Kindle... "

Anne Bogel | 2/19/2012

" There's a reason this one's a classic. On top of the excellent characters and interesting plot, I'm constantly surprised at how darn witty Jane Austen is. "

Sonja | 2/15/2012

" What can I say... love me some Jane! "

Ehsaas Chopra | 2/5/2012

" Pride and Prejudice remains my fav.. "

Vicki Bennion | 2/3/2012

" I can't decide between Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility as my favorite Austin book. I read them both over again when I miss a good Jane Austin moment. I have longed for more Austin novels and am constantly looking for more authors like her. I'm a fan! "

Jr | 1/20/2012

" My favorite of the Jane Austen novels. "

DeAnn | 1/5/2012

" Jane Austen's loveliest work, in my opinion, and well worth the time to read it. I also recommend watching the Emma Thompson movie version. "

Angelica Iafigliola rackow | 12/26/2011

" My least favorite from her. Although carries the lovable and charming "Austen" environment the characters aren't as interesting as in her other books and a lot of times I found myself not excited about the story. Ps: agreed Eric! :) "

Kathy | 11/30/2011

" Through the lives of sisters, Austen describes the changing culture of courtship in the 1800's. The writing stype exemplifies the era and dominates the telling with wordy euphamisms and liberal descriptors of the period's constraints in social propriety. "

Theresa | 11/29/2011

" Loved it so much I've read it at least four times now. "

Chelsey | 11/26/2011

" Starts off slow, but gets much better. "

Nienna | 11/25/2011

" Loved it. Jane Austen captures the reader again in the romance and heart-break of the Dashwood sisters and their beaus. Personally I will always hold Col. Brandon in the highest esteem when it comes to Austen's leading men. It is a great read. "

7h40 Chi | 11/18/2011

" I think it's cool and very feminine - so Austen's style. I read this just to remind myself of still being a girl today. "

Laetitia HÃ¶rnler | 11/1/2011

" One of the true classics! "

Laurel | 10/18/2011

" This was just about the only Jane Austen I hadn't read b/c I had seen the movie so many times that I already knew the whole plot. However, I finally read it and I loved it and it was WAY better than the movie. "

Tu | 9/25/2011

" another great work which is written with great sense and sensibility. Subtle conversations. "

Nisa | 9/7/2011

" The declaration of love by Mr. Knightly its... perfect! "

Lexi Byers | 8/28/2011

" Persuasion is her best, then Pride and Prejudice. But you have to read all of Jane Austen! "

" I had always shied away from Jane Austen, but am glad I finally did read this one. Loved the characters, especially Mr Darcy. "

Nicki | 8/9/2011

" In someways, this is Austen's most heartbreaking book. Austen juxtaposes romantic love with the realities of the world in a classic, timeless way. "

Zeyad | 7/27/2011

" For me, the plot was less obvious than the plot of her other book, pride and prejudice, that I recently read, and that's one of the reasons why I like it more. "

Laurie | 7/14/2011

" Definitely my favourite Jane Austen novel! "

Katie | 7/8/2011

" Sense and Sensibility might be my favourite Austen book. The two sisters are characterised very well, and the ridiculous neighbours and relations add for a bit of light-hearted humour to what is a very emotional book. "

Heather Moore | 7/6/2011

" My second favorite book of all time. "

P.S. Bartlett | 6/23/2011

" I love anything by Jane Austen. "

Kristin Billerbeck | 5/23/2011

" Love this book. Though it is in a sense a tragedy because Marianne (the sensibility) has such a hard lesson to learn. "

Laura | 5/23/2011

" I just read this book for the second time recently, and I think I loved it even more. It has the perfect balance of the humorous parts and also the character growth and development that Jane Austen is so good at.
"

Janeen | 5/18/2011

" This officially reigns as my least favorite Austen. Everyone was hateful. The only character I liked was Mr. Palmer. And even though I didn't like Marianne, I hated that the narrator smugly declared that she married someone she didn't love. Also, why skip over the proposals? Hmph.
"

Mysterylady | 5/18/2011

" This is one of my favorites. I really like the characters in this book. It gives you a great look into the Regency era.
"

Carrie | 5/16/2011

" It's a classic. Can't say it was really fantastic, but for the time period it's great.
"

Linda | 5/16/2011

" I've read this novel several times, and I always enjoy it. It's witty and funny and insightful.
"

" I find it funny - all that mothers, whose only wish is to marry their daughters well. I can´t imagine to live in 19th century, or when it was written, can you? :)
"

Elizabeth | 5/10/2011

" I liked this book, but not as much as Pride and Prejudice. I found Marianne to be very annoying. I was glad to see her improve by the end. I definitely don't think they should have been so quick to forgive Willoughby, though.
"

Other Titles by Jane Austen:

About the Author

Jane Austen (1775–1817) is considered by many scholars to be the first great woman novelist. Born in Steventon, England, she later moved to Bath and began to write for her own and her family’s amusement. Her novels, set in her own English countryside, depict the daily lives of provincial middle-class families with wry observation, a delicate irony, and a good-humored wit.

About the Narrator

Julie Christie is a critically-acclaimed actress. Throughout her decades-long career, she has won the Academy, Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. A pop icon of the 1960s, she has starred in dozens of feature films, as well as numerous television shows and plays.

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